Abstract:

Disclosed is a headset, and a method of switching a first input signal for
a left ear and a second input signal for a right ear of a user.

Claims:

1. A headset for receiving a first input signal for a left ear and a
second input signal for a right ear, comprising:a first earphone capsule
for a first ear of a user,a second earphone capsule for a second ear of
the user,a microphone arm having at least a first and a second position
setting, anda switching unit for associating the first input signal with
the first earphone capsule and the second input signal with the second
earphone capsule when the microphone arm is in the first position setting
and for associating the first input signal with the second earphone
capsule and the second input signal with the first earphone capsule when
the microphone arm is in the second position setting.

2. A headset as set forth in claim 1 wherein the switching unit has a
change-over switch for switching over the first input signal and the
second input signal, which change-over switch is actuable mechanically by
a pivotal movement of the microphone arm.

3. A headset as set forth in claim 1 wherein the switching unit has a
relay which is switched on the basis of a query of a position setting of
the microphone arm.

4. A headset as set forth in claim 1 comprising a sensor element for
querying a position setting of the microphone arm.

5. A headset as set forth in claim 1 wherein the switching unit has an
electronic element adapted to perform switching-over of the first input
signal and the second input signal on the basis of a sensor signal.

6. A method of controlling a headset as set forth in claim 1, comprising a
first earphone capsule for a first ear of a user, a second earphone
capsule for a second ear of a user and a microphone arm movable at least
between a first position and a second position, comprising the
steps:determining whether the microphone arm is in the first position or
in the second position setting,associating a first input signal for a
left ear with the first earphone capsule and the second input signal for
a right ear with the second earphone capsule when the microphone aim is
in the first position setting, andassociating the first input signal with
the second earphone capsule and the second input signal with the first
earphone capsule when the microphone arm is in the second position
setting.

Description:

[0001]The invention concerns a headset, and a method of switching a first
input signal for a left ear and a second input signal for a right ear.

[0002]Headsets are known which have a first and a second earphone capsule.
The two earphone capsules are connected to a headband or a
behind-the-neck band. A microphone arm can be fixed to one of the
earphone capsules or to the headband or behind-the-neck band, the
microphone arm holding a microphone in the proximity of the mouth opening
of a user. Headsets of that kind can be fitted by a user in two ways.
Either the microphone is at the right-hand side of a user or it is at the
left-hand side. So that the microphone arm can face towards the mouth
opening of the user in both cases, it is designed to be pivotable. In
general an axis member about which the microphone arm can be pivoted is
disposed on the earphone capsule or the band to which the microphone arm
is fixed.

[0003]Accordingly such a headset can be fitted in such a way that the
first earphone capsule is either at the left or at the right ear of the
user. The second earphone capsule is then disposed at the respective
other ear and the pivotable microphone arm is so adjusted that it faces
towards the mouth opening.

[0004]The object of the present invention is to provide a headset which
permits reproduction of an audio signal in the correct manner in respect
of side, irrespective of how the headset is fitted around the head.

[0005]The object is attained by a headset as set forth in claim 1 and by a
method of switching a first input signal for a left ear and a second
input signal for a right ear as set forth in claim 6.

[0006]Thus there is provided a headset having a first earphone capsule for
a first ear of a user, a second earphone capsule for a second ear of the
user and a microphone arm which is movable at least from a first position
setting into a second position setting. In that case a first input signal
for a left ear and a second input signal for a right ear can be fed to
the headset. The headset also has a switching unit adapted to associate
the first input signal with the first earphone capsule and the second
input signal with the second earphone capsule when the microphone arm is
in the first position setting and adapted to associate the first input
signal with the second earphone capsule and the second input signal with
the first earphone capsule when the microphone arm is in the second
position.

[0007]The invention is based on the notion that it is possible to deduce
from the position of the microphone arm, which of the two earphone
capsules is at the left ear of a user and which is at the right ear of a
user. It is assumed in that respect that the microphone arm is oriented
in the direction of the mouth opening of a user. If the microphone arm is
for example fixed to a first earphone capsule which is for example at the
left ear of a user, the microphone arm faces forwardly, for example at an
angle of -120° relative to a carrier of the two earphone capsules,
which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body of the user.
Turning the headset round, that is to say interchanging the earphone
capsules on the ears, requires the microphone arm to be pivoted or
changed over. After the pivotal movement the microphone arm is in a new
position which is determined for example by an angle of for example
+120° between the microphone arm and a carrier of the earphone
capsules. When the microphone arm is in that position the first earphone
capsule is then at the right ear. In dependence on the microphone arm
position, the association of the first and second input signals with the
first and second earphone capsules, in correctly sided relationship, is
effected in an automated procedure.

[0008]The first earphone capsule and the second earphone capsule can be
connected by way of a band which can be held for example by the head of a
user. The microphone arm is for example in the form of a pivotal arm
which has a microphone at its tip. The microphone arm can be fixed for
example to the first earphone capsule, the second earphone capsule or
also to the band. The pivotal movement of a microphone arm signifies for
example a circular movement about an axis point. The microphone arm is
for example made of a flexible material so that the microphone arm can be
so oriented that the microphone faces towards the mouth opening of a
user.

[0009]The first position or position setting can also include a range of
positions described for example by a range of between 0 and 180°,
preferably between 10 and 180°, between the carrier and the
microphone arm. Likewise the second position or position setting can
include a range of positions which is for example within the angular
limits of between 0 and -180°, preferably between -10 and
-180°, wherein the angle is specified between the carrier and the
microphone arm. The carrier extends at least partially along a
longitudinal axis of the body. The microphone arm can be pivoted for
example from a first position into a second position. Equally it is
conceivable that the microphone arm is removed from the headset and
re-fitted in another position.

[0010]An earphone capsule includes an acoustic transducer for converting
the first or the second input signal into a corresponding sound signal
which is to be passed to an ear of a user. The acoustic transducer is
generally disposed in a housing or in a capsule which is held to or in
the ear of a user.

[0011]The invention is based on the realisation that, in many audio
applications, it is necessary to feed the left ear with a first audio
signal which is intended for the left ear and the right ear with a second
audio signal which is intended for the right ear. The functionality of a
headset with two microphone capsules can be markedly improved by such
reproduction of the audio signals, in correctly sided relationship, in
such a headset. By way of example in that way directional information,
for example the direction of a sound source, can be transmitted to the
user. For example in the case of three-dimensional audio (3D audio),
reproduction in correctly sided relationship must be implemented under
all circumstances. 3D audio produces for example the illusion of sound
sources which are arranged as desired in a 3-dimensional space around the
user.

[0012]In that respect the problem which now arises is that the
above-described headset can be fitted in two ways by a user. In that
respect the first earphone capsule is at the left ear and the second
earphone capsule is at the right ear, or however the first earphone
capsule is at the right ear and the second earphone capsule is at the
left ear.

[0013]In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the switching
unit has a change-over switch for switching over the first input signal
and the second input signal, the switch being actuable mechanically by a
pivotal movement of the microphone arm. After a headset has been fitted
the microphone arm is generally moved or pivoted into a position in which
it faces towards the mouth opening of the user. That movement can actuate
a change-over switch which allocates the first input signal and the
second input signal to the first earphone capsule and the second earphone
capsule in correctly sided relationship. That provides for simple
left/right switching-over of the input signals in correctly sided
relationship.

[0014]In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the switching
unit includes a relay. The relay serves for switching over the first and
the second input signals. It is switched on the basis of a query in
respect of the microphone arm position or detection of the microphone arm
position.

[0015]In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the headset has
a sensor element for querying a position of the microphone arm. Such a
sensor element can for example replace the change-over switch and feed
the switching unit with a corresponding sensor signal which specifies the
position of the microphone arm. The sensor element can be for example in
the form of an optoelectronic element for optoelectronic querying of the
microphone arm position. Equally the sensor element can be implemented by
a magnet or by position sensors. In that way for example it is possible
to establish more than a first and a second position or two ranges of
positions of the microphone arm, wherein those further positions can be
used for further functional controls for the headset, for example volume
regulation. The relay can be switched in dependence on a query in respect
of the microphone arm position or in dependence on the sensor signal.

[0016]In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention the
switching unit has an electronic element which is adapted on the basis of
a sensor signal to provide for switching over the first input signal and
the second input signal. The electronic element can be for example a
programmable processor unit or an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC). The electronic element can also be designed in such a way that it
implements further functions of the headset such as for example volume
regulation in dependence on the microphone arm position.

[0017]The invention also concerns a method of controlling a headset
comprising a first earphone capsule for a first ear of a user, a second
earphone capsule for a second ear of a user and a microphone arm which is
movable at least between a first position and a second position, wherein
the method comprises the steps: determining whether the microphone arm is
in the first position or in the second position; associating a first
input signal for a left ear with the first earphone capsule and the
second input signal for a right ear with the second earphone capsule when
the microphone arm is in the first position; and associating the first
input signal with the second earphone capsule and the second input signal
with the first earphone capsule when the microphone is in the second
position. That makes it possible to provide that the first input signal
and the second input signal are reproduced in correctly sided
relationship. The first position can also describe a first range of
positions and the second position a second range of positions. A movement
of the microphone arm can be achieved in particular by a pivotal movement
about an axis point arranged for example on an earphone capsule, or by
removal and re-fitting in a different position.

[0018]The invention also concerns a computer program product which enables
a programmable processor unit of a headset to carry out the method
according to the invention of switching a first input signal for a left
ear and a second input signal for a right ear. In particular the computer
program product can add further functionality such as for example volume
regulation in interplay with the processor unit and the headset.

[0019]The embodiments by way of example and advantages of the present
invention are described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to
the accompanying drawings.

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a headset in a first wearing
position in accordance with a first embodiment,

[0021]FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of a headset in accordance with a
first embodiment in a second wearing position, and

[0022]FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of a headset in accordance with a
second embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a headset 1 in a first wearing position.

[0024]The headset 1 has a first earphone capsule 2 and a second earphone
capsule 3. The first earphone capsule 2 and the second earphone capsule 3
are connected together by way of a band 4. A microphone arm 5 is mounted
to the earphone capsule 3. The microphone arm has a microphone 6 at one
end. An axis point or an axis member 7 is disposed on the earphone
capsule 3. The axis point or the axis member can also be provided on the
band. The first earphone capsule 2 and the second earphone capsule 3 each
have a respective acoustic transducer which converts a first input signal
and a second input signal respectively into a corresponding acoustic
sound. The headset 1 has a switching unit 12 which serves for switching
over the first input signal and the second input signal.

[0025]The first wearing position of the headset 1 is distinguished in that
the first earphone capsule 2 is at the right ear of a user and the second
earphone capsule 3 is at the left ear of the user. The band 4 which
connects the first earphone capsule 2 and the second earphone capsule 3
and holds them in the correct position is worn by the head of the user.
The microphone arm 5 is movable. In particular it can be pivoted about
the axis point 7. In addition the microphone arm can be flexible so that
the microphone 6 can be easily arranged in the proximity of the mouth
opening of the user. The microphone arm 5 is in a first position or in a
first range of positions which is distinguished in that the microphone
arm in the first wearing position faces in the direction of the mouth
opening of the user. The first position setting or position or the first
position range can be specified for example by an angle φ which
describes the angle between a longitudinal axis 8 of the body and a
direction 9 of the microphone arm at the axis point 7. In FIG. 1 the
angle φ is about 120°. The first position range can include
for example angles of between 0 and 180°, preferably between 10
and 180°. The information that the microphone arm is in the first
position range can be detected for example with a change-over switch,
with optoelectronic elements, with magnets or by position sensors.

[0026]When the microphone arm 5 faces towards the mouth opening of the
user in the first wearing mode (first earphone capsule 2 at the right ear
and the second earphone capsule 3 at the left ear), it is possible to
recognise that first wearing position by measuring or detecting that
position or that position range. In some audio applications, for example
3D audio, it is necessary for audio signals to be reproduced in correctly
sided relationship. That means that a first input signal is to be
associated with a left ear of the user and a second input signal is to be
associated with a right ear. That is necessary for example to be able to
acoustically transmit directional information. When the headset is in the
first wearing mode (first earphone capsule 2 at the right ear and second
earphone capsule 3 at the left ear), then the first input signal for a
left ear and the second input signal for a right ear are respectively
passed to the correctly sided earphone capsule when the microphone arm is
in the first position or in the first range of positions.

[0027]However the headset as shown in FIG. 1 can also be used by a user in
a second wearing mode in which the first earphone capsule 2 is at the
left ear of the user and the second earphone capsule 3 is at the right
ear. If the microphone arm 5 is so positioned that, in that second
wearing mode, the microphone 6 is at the mouth opening of the user, then
the microphone arm is in a second position or in a second range of
positions. That can be specified for example by the angle Φ between a
longitudinal axis 8 of the body and a second direction 10 of the
microphone arm 5 at the axis point 7. The second longitudinal axis 11 of
the body as shown in FIG. 2 is displaced in parallel relationship with
the longitudinal axis 8 of the body as shown in FIG. 1. The angle φ
is at about -120° in FIG. 2, in which case that angle is now in a
second range of positions which is within the angles between 0 and
-180°, preferably between -10 and -180°, for φ.

[0028]If it is assumed that the microphone arm 5 is at the second earphone
capsule 3 and is facing towards the mouth opening of a user, it is
possible to conclude from the position of the microphone arm in the
second range that the first earphone capsule 2 is at the left ear of the
user and the second earphone capsule 3 is at the right ear. When the
microphone arm is in the second range of positions accordingly the first
input signal for the left ear must be associated with the first earphone
capsule 2 and the second input signal for the right ear of a user must be
associated with the second earphone capsule 3 to ensure correctly sided
reproduction. The first input signal for a left ear is switched between
the first earphone capsule 2 and the second earphone capsule 3 in
dependence on the position of the microphone arm. Likewise the second
input signal for the right ear is switched in dependence on the position
of the microphone arm between the second earphone capsule and the first
earphone capsule. Irrespective of whether the headset as shown in FIG. 1
is worn in the first wearing mode or as shown in FIG. 2 in the second
wearing mode, the first input signal and the second input signal are
accordingly distributed in correctly sided relationship to the first
earphone capsule 2 and the second earphone capsule 3 when the microphone
arm is moved approximately to the mouth opening of the user.

[0029]FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of a headset in accordance with a
second embodiment. A first input signal 31 is passed by way of a first
change-over switch 32 either to a first earphone capsule 33 or a second
earphone capsule 34. The second input signal 35 is passed by way of a
second change-over switch 36 either to the second earphone capsule 34 or
the first earphone capsule 31. In this case the first input signal 31 and
the second input signal 35 are fed to different earphone capsules, that
is to say the first input signal 31 is applied to the first earphone
capsule 33 when the second input signal 35 is at the second earphone
capsule 34 and the first input signal 31 is at the second earphone
capsule 34 when the second input signal 35 is at the first earphone
capsule 33. The positions of the first change-over switch 32 and the
second change-over switch 36 are determined by the position of the
microphone arm. By way of example a switch can be mechanically tripped by
the pivotal movement of the microphone arm from the first range of
positions into the second range of positions or vice-versa so that the
first input signal 31 and the second input signal 35 are switched over
between the first earphone capsule 33 and the second earphone capsule 34.

[0030]The switching-over operation can for example also be effected by way
of a relay. The microphone arm position can not only be queried by a
mechanical change-over switch but for example also by other sensor
elements such as optoelectronic elements and magnets or position sensors.
The switching-over operation can also take place in an electronic
element, for example a programmable processor unit or an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The corresponding sensor signal is
then passed to that processor unit and a switching-over operation is
effected on the basis of a corresponding control by the processor unit.
The processor unit can also perform further functions of the headset, for
example volume regulation. The position of the microphone arm can not
only be subdivided into a first position range and a second position
range, but it is possible to define a multiplicity of positions which are
used for controlling given functions of the headset. Such a function can
be for example volume regulation. The processor unit can also be adapted
to implement the corresponding further functions such as for example
volume regulation. In particular control of the change-over switch,
querying of the sensor unit and/or the implementation of the further
functions can be performed by suitable software which can be run on the
processor unit.